Okumanya

While taiyaki is widely regarded as a straightforward street-corner sweet, the breadth of choices at Okumanya in Akasaka quickly upends that expectation. The core traditional version relies on house-simmered chunky red bean paste crafted from Hokkaido azuki without salt, additives, or refined white sugar. Alongside it, the shop ventures into distinctive flavour territories: fragrant green laver powder from Ise-Shima infuses the sea-scented Oiso Taiyaki; cinnamon lends an aromatic accent to the Kyoto-Style Taiyaki; and domestic cream cheese is folded with red bean paste in the French-Style Taiyaki. Fresh custard prepared daily from eggs, as well as a Roman-Style Taiyaki laced with rum-soaked raisins, further broaden the dessert range.

Beyond sweet pastries, savoury options turn the fish-shaped treats into light meals. Fillings include chorizo dressed with honey, black pepper, and melted cheese; hearty homemade meat sauce topped with marinated onions; and cheese-infused keema curry. Depending on the hour, diners can choose a lunch set that pairs savoury taiyaki with salad and a shiratama ohagi rice ball, or switch in the late afternoon to a drink-and-bite set that includes a small seasonal side dish alongside a beverage.

In addition to quick counter takeout, the calm cafe seating offers a welcome setting to unwind. Freshly baked taiyaki can be ordered as a set with regional Ise green tea or pour-over coffee, while the eat-in dessert menu also features coffee jelly sets and towering parfaits crowned with an entire taiyaki. It provides a warm, relaxing respite between work and shopping in Akasaka.